Hidden Splendor | Utah Back Country Pilots Association

Hidden Splendor

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Airstrip Info

Frequency 122.90
Elevation 4819 ft
Lat/Long 38.5686, -110.9573
38° 34.116' , -110° 57.438'
Runway 17/35 1910 ft x 30 ft
Dirt/Gravel
Rwy 35 Uphill 1.6%
Ownership BLM

Amenities

Weather

See more at the National Weather Center

Information updated November 18, 2022 @ 1:32pm

Description: Hidden Splendor runway oriented north/south with 1000 ft. cliffs and the Muddy Creek skirting the west side. Airstrip is located on a small mesa with steep drop-offs very close to each end of the runway.  There is vehicle access to the airstrip, so watch out for cars, trucks, animals, and people.

Runway: 1910 ft long x 30 ft (average) wide hard surfaced dirt runway in good condition. Slopes to the north 1.62%.

Approach Considerations: Pay attention to the downhill slope when when landing to the south, and use caution for canyon winds. When landing to the north the approach is through a relatively tight canyon, and should not be attempted with strong winds. Use caution for sinking air over the river when approaching from the south. Suggest flying above the canyon first to make sure you are comfortable with the approach between canyon walls. There are steep drops-offs on both ends of the runway. Can be soft when wet. Departing to the south is recommended despite the narrow canyon . The terrain to the north rises fairly quickly and gives the impression of poor climb rates, and could be a problem on hot summer afternoons.

Amenities: Primitive camping areas are available in several locations around the airstrip. Space is available west of the approach end of the runway 34, as well as on the west end of the road that crosses close to the middle of the runway, and east of the runway on that same road. Interesting hikes up and down the river to explore old mining facilities.

Windsock: Yes.

Gary Hilley visited 1 year ago in a Super Cub with 31 tires

With the muddy flowing, this has seen a lot of traffic this year.

0 Likes , 0 Comments


Ron Freier visited 1 year ago in a Rans S7 with 8.5 tires

Runway is dry and in great condition.

2 Likes , 2 Comments


Josh Kelson

Did you see a windsock there?

1 year ago
Ron Freier

Windsock is there and in good condition.

1 year ago
Rod Hanson visited 1 year ago in a 1964 C185 with 29 tires

From Alaska and exploring the “lower 48”. Hidden Splendor was my only stop in Utah. Spectacular flight east to west from Gunnison, CO to Mesquite, NV. Hidden Splendor lives up to its name! Fantastic!

5 Likes , 0 Comments


Kyle Stone visited 1 year ago in a Glasair Sportsman (Trike) with 8.50 tires

As usual, Hidden Splendor was in great condition. Hard as concrete and windsock was in good condition. Had to remind a few fellow pilots to PLEASE use the 122.9 frequency as they were taking off and maneuvering w/o any radio comms.

4 Likes , 0 Comments


Russell Robinson visited 1 year ago in a H130 with NA tires

Gorgeous airstrip and lives up to its name! Cool miners cabin just south of the strip. Looking forward to catching the Muddy Creek after a big rain for some epic pack rafting from this spot.

3 Likes , 1 Comment


Cory Wolf

I really want to float that section. I've got a line on a way to logistically get dropped on the north end. Maybe we could work together to make it happen!

1 year ago
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We haven't written a history for this airstrip yet. If you would like to provide us with some information about this strip, please contact us today!